Boardwalk, deck and platform system

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a system, method, and components for assembling and disassembling boardwalks, decks, and platforms. The invention has a number of extruded and interlocking components. It is installed by driving piles, preferably helical piles, into a ground surface. The invention provides a comprehensive set of assembly members, including and not limited to brackets that attach to the piles, headers, joists, cross braces, decking, and decking fasteners for holding the decking in place. In particular, a multiple-way adjustable bracket connects the piles to the rest of the structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 11/490,795, filed Jul.21, 2006 which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/701,666, filed Jul. 22, 2005. The content of theseapplications is hereby incorporated by reference into thisspecification.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to modular decking systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a significant conventional construction project to install a deckor a similar structure such as a dock, boardwalk, or platform, whetherit is a permanent installation or a temporary one. The equipment neededto install the conventional deck can be very disruptive to the groundsurface affecting the appearance of a lawn or a park or affecting theecosystem in wetlands. Also, the skill and care needed to preciselyplace and fasten together the components of the deck is time consumingand costly—especially when equipment must be submerged to reach a stableunderground surface. Further adding to the cost and skill required, thedeck is often custom built on site.

A modular deck system, such as the one described in U.S. PatentApplication, Publication No. 2005/0025465 by Osfolk, allows the deck tobe assembled in smaller portions. Pre-manufactured deck modules have theadvantage of requiring less on-site assembly. However, such conventionalmodular or pre-manufactured decks require precise placing of piers orpiles and either require significant fastening with screws or bolts, orare not significantly sturdy. Further, pre-manufactured decks tend to bequite heavy and cumbersome with regard to the shipping, handling, andplacement of the decks. Even further, the length of time it takes toassemble conventional modules causes delays in the advancement of theequipment along the modules.

Conventional decking systems tend to have relatively weak connectionsbetween a wooden joist and a header. Such systems utilize joist hangersthat are fastened to the side of a header and to the end of the joist.Such connections to the end of the joist lack significant shear strengthand the connection may be a weak point in the system.

Therefore, a modular decking system that has a simple assembly and aminimal impact on the ground surface while being sturdy enough tosupport foot traffic and light vehicles is desired. Further, a deckingsystem with structurally superior joints over conventional systems incritical areas is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a system, method andcomponents for assembling and disassembling boardwalks, decks, bridges,platforms and similar structures (“deck” will be generally used todenote a boardwalk, deck, bridge, platform, or similar structurehereinafter). The invention has a number of extruded and interlockingcomponents. It is installed by driving piles, preferably helical piles,into a ground surface. The invention provides a comprehensive set ofassembly members, including and not limited to brackets that attach tothe piles, headers, joists, cross braces, decking, and decking fastenersfor holding the decking in place. The components of the invention areuseful together with each other and also with conventional structuralmembers. In particular, a multiple-way adjustable bracket connects thepiles to the rest of the structure. Piles often encounter subsurfaceimpediments and cannot be set at their precise desired locations. Thepile bracket adjusts for off-set piles.

More particularly, the invention includes a relatively lightweightmodular decking system, comprising a plurality of piles (which maycomprise aluminum) having a helical portion configured to be driven intoa ground surface; a pile bracket that engages a top end of each of thepiles; a plurality of headers, each attached to two of the pilebrackets; a plurality of joists each being attached to two of theheaders; and a plurality of deck planks that are attached to a topportion of the joists or decking connectors. The pile brackets areadjustable wherein each of the pile brackets are rotatable about acenter axis of the pile and translatable along the center axis of thepile. Further, each of the pile brackets include a saddle assembly thatis translatable along a slot in the pile bracket in a direction that issubstantially perpendicular to the center axis of the pile. The saddleassembly is rotatable about a fastener and is capable of being leveled,such as by a plurality of set screws or a partial ball joint. The deckplanks may be attached to the joists by an injection molded connectorstrip having a plurality of spacer posts separating said deck planks.The connector strip may further include a plurality of clips provided inpairs, wherein the deck planks each include a pair of tabs, and whereineach pair of clips is configured for mating with the pair of tabs on oneof the deck planks. The header may include a plurality of joist holders,and the joists may be placed in said joist holders to attach the joiststo the headers.

In another form, the invention includes a method for installing amodular deck. The method comprises the steps of driving a first set ofhelical piles and a second set of helical piles (which may be aluminum)into a ground surface, wherein the piles each have an adjustable pilebracket on a top end of the pile; providing a plurality of headershaving a plurality of header brackets; affixing one of the headers toeach of the first and second sets of piles via the pile brackets suchthat the header brackets of the header affixed to the first set of pilesare aligned with the header brackets of header affixed to the second setof piles; inserting a joist into each of the aligned header brackets;and placing a plurality of deck planks on the joists. The method mayfurther comprise the steps of driving a third set of helical piles intothe ground surface, wherein the piles of the third set each have anadjustable pile bracket on a top end of the piles; affixing a header tothe third set of piles via the pile brackets such that the headerbrackets of the header attached to the third set of piles are alignedwith the header brackets of the header attached to the second set ofpiles; inserting an additional joist into each of the aligned headerbrackets of the headers attached to the second and third sets of piles;and placing a plurality of additional deck planks on the additionaljoists. The method may further include installing additional modules asneeded. In a temporary application of the decking system, the methodincludes the further step of disassembling the deck planks from thejoists, the joists from the headers, and the headers from the piles, andthen removing the piles from the ground surface. A further step ofreinforcing the joists with cross-braces may also be included. The stepof placing the deck planks may comprise the steps of connecting aplurality of connector strips to one or more of the joists, theconnector strips having a plurality of pairs of clips; and, for each ofthe deck planks, snapping a pair of tabs integral with the deck plankinto one of the pairs of clips.

In another form, the invention includes an adjustable decking brackethaving multiple degrees of freedom. The bracket comprises a base platedefining a slot; a collar affixed to a bottom surface of the base plate,which is rotatable about a center axis of the collar; a saddle assemblythat has a protuberance connected to the base plate by a fastenerthrough the slot; and a vertical adjustment fastener engaging the baseplate and a support structure. The saddle assembly may include aplurality of set screws or a hub, such as a partial ball joint, in asaddle base for leveling the saddle assembly relative to the base plate.Further, the saddle assembly is translatable along the slot of the baseplate and rotatable about the fastener connecting the protuberance tothe slot of the base plate.

In another form, the invention includes an end cap for a plurality ofdecking planks. The end cap comprises a tube providing a chase-way; alens-receiving portion on a side of the tube; a connection portion on abottom surface of the tube, the connection portion being configured tobe attached to a frame element. The connection portion may be configuredto snap into a groove in a joist. The end cap may include a plurality oflamps within said tube, and it may form an ADA-compliant curb.

In another form, the invention includes a helical pile comprising analuminum shaft and an inclined plane extending from a portion of theshaft in a helical shape. The inclined plane may be made of aluminum andmay be welded to or integral with the shaft. The helical pile may alsoinclude a second inclined plane extending from a second portion of theshaft, extensions to add length, or both.

In another form, the invention includes a header for a modular deckingsystem. The header comprises a header beam having a first side and asecond side; and a plurality of joist holders welded to or integral withthe first side of said header beam. The header beam may be made ofextruded metal or structural steel and the header beam and the joistholders may be made of aluminum. Alternatively, the header may be castor molded material. A second plurality of joist holders may be welded toor integral with the second side of the header beam. The joist holdersdefine a pair of aligned notches for engaging a fastener through an endof a joist to guide the placement of the joist.

In another form, the invention includes a connector strip for affixingdeck planks to a joist. The connector strip comprises a base configuredfor engaging a joist; a plurality of spacer posts projecting upward fromthe base; and a plurality of pairs of clips, wherein each pair of clipsis configured for engaging a pair of tabs associated with a deck plank.The connector strip may further include a first end with a maleconnector and a second end with a female connector such that the maleconnector connects to a female connector of another connector strip. Thebase may be configured for sliding into a groove in an extruded joist.The connector strip may be configured such that no fasteners arerequired to connect the connector strip to the joist or to connect thedeck plank to the connector strip. The connector strip may also beconnected to conventional lumber.

It is an advantage of the invention that the boardwalk, deck or platformprovides a support for pile installation equipment. As one section ofthe platform is assembled, the installation machine may advance to theend of the platform to install piles for the next section. The deckingsystem according to the present invention may be rapidly installed andthe equipment may advance without stalling for significant periods oftime to wait for a new module to be installed. The invention may also beused as a bridge.

The structures made in accordance with the invention may be installed inprotected environments, such as wetlands, nature preserves, swamps,marshes and beaches. The installation provides minimal disruption to theenvironment. The structures may also be installed as decks for home use.In another embodiment the structures may be installed temporarily at alocation that needs a hardstand to support a number of people, such as astage for a band in a park. After the event is over, the structure maybe disassembled and removed.

A further advantage of the invention is that the header comprisesintegral or pre-welded joist holders that have significantly highershear strength than conventional joist hangers. Thus the header providesan improved long-range structural integrity over conventional systems,which may be compromised at this junction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a deck module according to the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2A-2D are views of the helical pile and pile bracket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an alternative pile bracket;

FIGS. 4A-4C are views of the saddle assembly of FIGS. 2A-2D;

FIGS. 5A-5D are views of a header of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of a joist of FIG. 1 with a connector stripattached to the top of the joist in FIG. 6A;

FIGS. 7A-7 d are views of a connector strip;

FIG. 8 is an end view of a deck plank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of the connector strip of FIGS. 7A-7Dwith a deck plank connected thereto;

FIG. 10 is an end view of an end cap;

FIG. 11 is an end view of a joining strip;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a cross-brace assembly; and

FIGS. 13A and 13B are views of a brace of FIG. 12.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The examples set out herein illustrateseveral embodiments of the invention but should not be construed aslimiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the modular deck of the presentinvention. The deck module 10 includes a number of helical piles 12, apair of headers 14, joists 16, and a number of deck planks 18.

FIG. 1 shows the deck module 10 as having four piles 12; however, moreor less piles 12 may be used as warranted by the application. Forexample, additional piles 12 may be required for additional support ofthe headers 14 or the joists 16. The helical pile 12 is best shown inFIGS. 2A-2D and includes a shaft 19 and a helical portion 20 for drivingthe pile 12 into a ground surface and a top end 22 that engages a pilebracket 24. The helical portion 20 includes an inclined plane 21extending from the shaft 19 in a helical shape. The shaft 19 iscylindrical, as shown in FIG. 2C; however, the shaft 19 mayalternatively be substantially any shape, such as a rectangular tube.The pile 12 may include multiple helical portions 20 each having aninclined plane 21. Because the pile 12 is driven into the ground byproviding a downward force to the shaft 19 and turning the pile to screwthe inclined plane 21 into the ground rather than providing ahigh-impact vertical force to the pile, the pile 12 may be made of notonly hardened steel or wood, but also of aluminum, aluminum alloys, andsimilar materials. In a particular embodiment, the piles 12 are hollowtubes that may be reinforced with concrete, steel, or both.

Though any bracket may be used to connect the pile 12 to the header 14(or joists 16), the pile bracket 24 of the present embodiment isadjustable by rotation about the axis of the pile 12, elevation relativeto the pile 12, distance from the axis of the pile 12, and rotationabout an axis offset from the axis of the pile 12. The pile bracket 24includes a collar 26, a base plate 28, and a saddle assembly 30. Thebase plate 28 is supported by the collar 26 and supports 32 that arewelded or otherwise affixed to the collar 26 and the base plate 28. Afastener 34 engages a tapped hole in the base plate 28 and issubstantially aligned with the axis of the collar 26. A disk 36 having atapped hole for mating with the fastener 34 is welded or otherwiseaffixed to the top end 22 of the pile 12. When assembled to the pile 12,the collar 26 and base plate 28 may be rotated about the axis of thepile 12. The collar 26 and base plate 28 also may be raised and loweredin relation to the pile 12 by turning the fastener 34. In alternativeembodiments, the collar may be other shapes, such as the square collarshown in FIG. 3.

The saddle assembly 30 is best shown in FIGS. 4A-4C and includes asaddle base 38 and vertical plates 40 welded or otherwise affixed to thetop of the saddle base 38. Slots 52 in the vertical plates 40 allow theheader 14 to be attached to the pile bracket 24 by fasteners. The saddlebase 38 includes several set screws 42 and a downward-directedprotuberance 44 with a clearance hole for a fastener. The set screws 42allow fine adjustment of the elevation of the saddle assembly 30 as wellas leveling of the saddle assembly 30. A fastener is inserted throughthe clearance hole in the protuberance 44 and through a slot 46 in thebase plate 28, as shown by FIG. 2D. Until the fastener is tightened, thesaddle assembly 30 may slide along the slot 46 as well as rotate aboutthe fastener. Thus, the pile bracket 24 is highly adjustable to allowthe header 14 to be placed substantially parallel and level with thepreviously placed header by compensating for variation in the placementof the pile 12. Saddle base 38, shown in detail in FIGS. 4A-4C, isadjustable with six degrees of freedom including controlling its yaw,pitch and roll. The yaw of saddle base 38 is adjustable by rotating thebase about its point of attachment to the elongated slot 46. Saddle base38 has a downward protuberance 44 which has a partially spherical convexshape to facilitate control of the yaw, pitch and roll. The magnitude ofthe pitch and roll can be controlled by adjusting fastners 42.

It should be noted that multiple pile extensions may be coupled togetherwith the piles to allow deeper penetration into the ground surface asmay be required by the application.

The header 14 is best shown in FIGS. 5A-5D and includes an welded orcast header beam 48 and several joist holders 50. In the illustratedembodiment, the header beam 48 is extruded with grooves on the top andbottom. The end of the header beam 48 is shown as open in the figures toillustrate its shape; however, it is preferred that the end be coveredby a cap or a plate after the header beam 48 is cut to length inpre-manufacturing. The header beam 48 is placed between the verticalplates 40 of two or more pile brackets 24 and aligned substantiallyperpendicular to the intended direction of travel of the deck byadjusting the pile brackets 24. Fasteners inserted through the slots 52in the vertical plates 40 and a through hole in the header beam 48 tosecure the header 14 to the pile bracket 30. The joist holders 50 arewelded or cast in place on the header beam 48 to provide a strongsupport for the joists 16. In alternative embodiments, the joist holders50 may be fastened in place, such as by rivets, bolts, or screws. Thejoist holders 50 are aligned such that a joist 16 may be run between twojoist holders of two headers 14 and be oriented substantially parallelto the direction of travel of the deck.

In the case that the joist holders 50 are welded onto the header beam48, they may be cut from a flat piece of material and bent into theU-shape shown in the figures with a bending break or other machine. Anangled notch 54 in each side of the joist holder 50 guides a fastenerthrough the end of the joist 16 to provide proper placement of the joistwithin the joist holder 50. The fastener is tightened to secure thejoist 16 to the header 14 and no other fasteners are required, thoughadditional fasteners may be used.

The joist 16 is a tubular beam similar to the header beam 48, though thejoist 16 may have a different length. The cross-section and the end ofthe joist 16 are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively. The groovefeatures on the top and bottom of the joist 16 provide forsnap-connections with cooperating components, such as the connectorstrip 60, which is described in more detail below. Alternatively,cooperating components slide into the grooves from an end of the joist16. The outermost joists in the deck module 10 may include railingsupports 56 (FIG. 1) that are welded, fastened, or otherwise affixed tothe outer side of the joist. These supports 56 may be as simple as boxesfor receiving the legs of a railing 58 as shown in FIG. 1.

The deck planks 18 are affixed to the joists 16 via a connector strip 60shown in FIGS. 7A-7D. The connector strips 60 each have a pair of walls62 that go into the slots in the top of the joists 16 and include clips64 that retain the connector strip 60 in connection with the joist 16(see FIG. 6A). The connector strips 60 may be included on the outermostjoists 16 only or on some or all of the inner joists 16. The connectorstrips 60 may be connected in series along the length of the joist 16 bycoupling a male connector end 66 to a female connector end 68.

The connector strips 60 guide the evenly spaced placement of the deckplanks 18 along the joists 16 with spacer posts 70. Each connector strip60 accommodates several deck planks 18. The deck planks 18 may be anysubstantially rigid material, such as hard plastic, wood, plastic moldedwith wood, aluminum, or other materials. In one embodiment, the deckplanks 18 have a cross-section as shown in FIG. 8, and each includes apair of tabs 72 configured for mating with clips 74 on the connectorstrip 60, as shown in FIG. 9. This mating relationship allows the deckplanks 18 to be placed without requiring fasteners, though fasteners maybe used for further securing the planks. The joint between two connectorstrips 60 provides space for a deck plank 18 so that the plank may beaffixed to the connector strips over the joint. In an alternativeembodiment, the deck planks 18 are conventional planks and are fastenedto the connector strips 60. In a further alternative embodiment, thedeck planks 18 are affixed directly to the joists 16 by fasteners,adhesives, or another suitable method. It should be noted that theconnector strips 60 may be configured to be attached to any frameelement by a snap-connection, fasteners, or adhesives.

In an alternative embodiment, the connector strips 60 are fastened toconventional lumber and the deck planks 18 may be affixed atop.

An end cap 76, shown in FIG. 10, may be included running parallel to thejoists 16 and covering the ends of the deck planks 18. The end cap 76may act as a bumper for wheel chairs as required by the Americans withDisabilities Act or for light vehicles. The end cap 76 may also betubular, as shown in the current embodiment, to provide a chase-way 78for electrical wiring, water, etc. A lens receiving portion 80 isincluded on the side of the end cap 76 facing the deck planks 18 so thatlight from lamps inside the chase-way 78 may be directed onto the top ofthe planks. The end cap 76 includes a connection portion 82 with a clasp84 that engages a groove in the top of the outer joists 16.

A joining strip 86, shown in cross-section in FIG. 11, may be includedto compensate for elevation changes or turns from one deck module 10 toanother. The joining strip 86 includes a top platform 88 that may beangled as required and a pair of tabs 90 that engage grooves in the topof a header 14.

The joists 16 may be reinforced by cross-brace assemblies 92, shown inFIG. 12, having two braces 94 adjoined at a fulcrum 96 by a fastener.Each brace 94 includes a vertical member 98 welded to the bottom surfaceof a top member 100. The top member 100 includes a protrusion 102 ateach end for hooking into a groove in the top or bottom of a joist. Thecross-brace assembly 92 is assembled by hooking the protrusions 102 of afirst brace 94 into the grooves in the tops of adjacent joists 16. Asecond, inverted brace 94 is brought up underneath the first brace suchthat the protrusions 102 of the second brace 94 engage grooves in thebottoms of the adjacent joists 16 and the fulcrum halves meet to formthe fulcrum 96. A fastener is inserted into the fulcrum 96 to secure thecross-brace assembly 92. Several cross-brace assemblies installedbetween each set of adjacent joists 16 will significantly strengthen thedeck module 10 without adding substantial weight to the structure.

The structural elements of the deck module 10, such as the piles 12, theheaders 14, the joists 16, and the cross-brace assemblies 92, are madeof aluminum, aluminum alloy, or a similarly strong, lightweight materialaccording to the present embodiment. Further, these components aregenerally tubular as shown in the figures, to keep the weight of thecomponents down. Other elements of the module are made of lightweightmaterials such as lightweight plastics and wood. Therefore thecomponents of the module 10 may be easily transported by a person or alight vehicle.

In use, the modular deck system may be assembled in a variety oflocations, such as in a field, in wetlands, or in a body of water,without significantly affecting the location. In an example, the decksystem is installed as a dock in a body of water or a boardwalk throughwetlands and the deck modules 10 are installed with the personnel andequipment situated on a previously installed deck module. No equipmentis required to be submerged or driven though the wetlands to install themodules. Thus, the only impact on the ground surface by the deck systemis the driving of the piles 12 into the ground surface. However, as theapplication warrants and allows, the system may also be installed atground level.

The deck module 10 is assembled by driving a first set of piles 12 and asecond set of piles 12 into a ground surface. In the current embodiment,each set of piles includes two piles 12; however, additional piles 12may be used to further support the headers 14, the joists 16, or both.The helical piles 12 are installed by applying vertical force androtating the pile 12 to screw it into the ground or wetland floor. Apile bracket 24 is assembled onto the top of each pile 12 and adjustedso that the saddle assembly 30 is level and the headers 14 may bealigned substantially parallel to each other. One header 14 is fastenedto the saddle assemblies 30 of the first set of piles 12 and the secondheader 14 is fastened to the saddle assemblies 30 of the second set ofpiles 12. The pile brackets 24 are finely adjusted such that the headers14 are level and aligned and the joist holders 50 of one header 14 areeach aligned with a joist holder 50 of the opposite header 14. A bolt orother fastener is inserted through a hole near each end of each joist 16such that the bolt extends through both sides of the joist. Each joistis then placed into two aligned joist holders 50 with the bolts engagingthe notches 54. The bolts are mated with nuts and tightened to securethe joist 16. Four joists 16 are used in the illustrated embodiment,though more or less may be required in specific applications. Several ofthe cross-brace assemblies 92 are assembled between each pair ofadjacent joists 16 as needed.

The walls 62 of the connector strips 60 are inserted into grooves in thetops two or more of the joists 16 and connected in series by theconnector ends 66, 68. The connector strips 60 may be secured to thejoists 16 by fasteners. The deck planks 18 are placed between the spacerposts 70 and connected to the connector strips 60 by a snap connection,fasteners, or both. The end caps 76 are connected to the outermostjoists 16 and over the edges of the deck planks 18. The railings 58 maythen be inserted into the railing supports 56.

A subsequent module is assembled from the first module by driving athird set of piles 12 into the ground surface relatively aligned withthe first and second sets of piles 12. Imprecise placement of the piles12 is compensated by the adjustable pile brackets 24. A third header 14is attached to the pile brackets 24 of the third set of piles and thebrackets are adjusted such that the header is level and aligned with thesecond header 14. Several joists 16 are placed into the joist holders 50of the second and third headers 14. The remaining components areassembled as described with the first module 10 above. Additionalmodules are likewise added as required. Because interlocking, preformedcomponents are used in the construction of the deck module 10 and fewfasteners are required, disassembly of the deck module 10 is madesimple.

In an alternative embodiment, the components of the deck module are madeof a stronger, heavier materials, such as steel. The system retains itsadvantages of rapid installation and strong joints, though heavierequipment may be required to transport the heavier materials. Thisalternative embodiment would be useful, for example, for a temporary,high-strength bridge for heavy equipment in a military setting.

It should be particularly noted that certain deck modules 10 may haveangled planks and curved joists for turning corners. In this case, theheaders 14 are aligned such that the curved joists may be placed in thejoist holders 50. Further, the headers 14 may be aligned for gradualchanges in elevation. In this case, the joist holders 50 may be slantedto accommodate the angled joists 16.

It should be further noted that several of the components of the deckmodule 10 of the present invention may be used separate from the othercomponents of the module. The header 14 with the integral or welded-onjoist holders 50 may be used to support conventional wooden joists orthe header may be supported by structural elements other than piles. Theconnector strip 60 may be configured to engage dimensional lumber orother materials instead of the extruded joists 16. The pile bracket 24may be used in any application that may benefit from a wide range saddlebracket. The aluminum helical piles 12 may be used in any situationrequiring a lightweight or corrosive resistant pile.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferredembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departingfrom the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that theinvention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as thebest mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope andspirit of the appended claims.

1. A connector strip for affixing deck planks to a joist, the connectorstrip comprising a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality ofspacer posts projecting upward from the top surface; and a plurality ofpairs of clips projecting downward from the bottom surface, wherein eachpair of clips is configured for engaging a pair of tabs associated witha joist.
 2. The connector strip of claim 1, further comprising a firstend with a male connector and a second end with a female connector suchthat the male connector connects to a female connector of anotherconnector strip.
 3. The connector strip of claim 1, wherein no fastenersare required to connect the connector strip to the joist.
 4. A modulardecking system comprising a deck frame segment including a plurality ofheaders that define the width of the deck frame segment and at least afirst and second joist that define the length of the deck frame segment,each joist having at least one pair of first tabs on its upper surface;a plurality of piles configured to be driven into a ground and supportthe deck frame segment; a first and second connector strips respectivelydisposed on the upper surface of the first and second joist andextending parallel thereto, each connector strip having a top surfaceand a bottom surface, the connector strips having spacer postsprojecting upward from their top surface and clips projecting downwardfrom their bottom surface wherein the clips are configured for engagingthe at least one pair of first tabs on the upper surface of the joints;a plurality of deck planks extending perpendicular to the first andsecond connector strips and attached to the spacer posts of theconnector strips such that the deck planks extend between the first andsecond connector strips.
 5. The modular decking system of claim 4,wherein deck planks further include tabs on their undersides and thespacer posts of the connector strip further include second clipsconfigured to mate with the tabs of the deck planks and thereby securethe deck planks to the connector strips.
 6. The modular decking systemof claim 4, further comprising a third connector strip, wherein theconnector strips each further comprise a first end with a male connectorand a second end with a female connector such that the male connector ofthe first connector strip connects to a female connector of the thirdconnector strip.
 7. The modular decking system of claim 4, wherein thepiles are helical piles.
 8. The modular decking system of claim 4,further comprising an inner joist disposed between, but parallel to, thefirst and second joists.
 9. The modular decking system of claim 8,further comprising a third connector strip disposed on the inner joist,the plurality of deck planks being attached to the third connectorstrip.
 10. A method of installing a modular deck comprising the stepsof: driving a plurality of first helical piles into a ground surface;affixing a first deck frame segment atop the first helical piles, thefirst deck frame segment including a plurality of headers that definethe width of the first deck frame segment and at least a first andsecond joist that define the length of the deck frame segment, eachjoist having tabs on its upper surface; disposing, respectively, a firstand second connector strip on the upper surface of the first and secondjoist such that the connector strips extend parallel to the joists, eachconnector strip having a top surface and a bottom surface, the connectorstrips having a plurality of spacer posts projecting upward from theirtop surface and a plurality of clips projecting downward from theirbottom surface wherein the clips are configured for engaging the tabs onthe upper surface of the joints thereby securing the bottom surface ofthe connector strip to the upper surface of the respective joist;placing a plurality of deck planks such that each deck plank bridges thefirst and second joists and engages at least one spacer post thatprojects upward from the top surface of the first connector strip and atleast one spacer post that projects upward from the top surface of thesecond connector strip.
 11. The method as recited in claim 10, whereinthe connector strips each further comprise a first end with a maleconnector and a second end with a female connector, the method furtherincluding the step of disposing a third connector strip with a femaleconnector on one end such that the male connector of the first connectorstrip connects to the female connector of the third connector strip. 12.The method as recited in claim 10, wherein deck planks further includesecond tabs on their undersides and the spacer posts of the connectorstrip further include second clips configured to mate with the tabs ofthe deck planks and thereby secure the deck planks to the connectorstrips, the method further including the step of clipping the deckplanks to the connector strips with the second tabs and second clips.13. The method as recited in claim 10 wherein no fasteners are requiredto connect the connector strips to the joists.